Image sensor and method of generating binning image using the same

Abstract

An image sensor includes a pixel unit configured to output a bayer pattern by converting an optical signal of a subject into an electrical signal; and a vertical interpolation unit configured to generate a vertical binning image by adding or averaging values of vertical pixels of the bayer pattern based on weight information set for each row region of the bayer pattern. Further, the image sensor includes a horizontal interpolation unit configured to generate a horizontal binning image by adding or averaging values of horizontal pixels of the bayer pattern based on weight information set for each column region of the bayer pattern; and an image composition unit configured to generate a weight-based binning image by composing the vertical and horizontal binning images.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An image sensor, comprising:
 a) a pixel unit configured to output a bayer pattern by converting an optical signal of a subject into an electrical signal; 
 b) a weight setting unit configured to set first weight information for a first row region and second weight information for a second row region at a first predetermined ratio, and third weight information for a first column region and fourth weight information for a second column region at a second predetermined ratio, wherein the first weight information, the second weight information, the third weight information, and the fourth weight information are based on extracted illuminance information; 
 c) a vertical interpolation unit configured to generate a vertical binning image by adding or averaging values of vertical pixels of the bayer pattern based on the first and second weight information for the first and second row regions of the bayer pattern, respectively; 
 d) a horizontal interpolation unit configured to generate a horizontal binning image by adding or averaging values of horizontal pixels of the bayer pattern based on the third and fourth weight information for the first and second column regions of the bayer pattern, respectively; and 
 e) an image composition unit configured to generate a weight-based binning image by composing the vertical and horizontal binning images. 
 
     
     
       2. The image sensor of  claim 1 , wherein, in the bayer pattern of the pixel unit, red pixels and green pixels are alternately arranged in one row, and blue pixels and green pixels are alternately arranged in a next row. 
     
     
       3. The image sensor of  claim 2 , wherein the weight setting unit is configured to provide an interface for setting the first and second weight information for each row region and each column region of the bayer pattern, respectively, and provide the first and second weight information through the interface to the vertical and horizontal interpolation units, respectively. 
     
     
       4. The image sensor of  claim 3 , wherein the first predetermined ratio is 1:3 or 3:1. 
     
     
       5. The image sensor of  claim 4 , wherein the second predetermined ratio is 1:3 or 3:1. 
     
     
       6. The image sensor of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second predetermined ratios are the same. 
     
     
       7. The image sensor of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second predetermined ratios are different.